
The Family Connector
November 11, 2022

Letter From CCS Superintendent Dr. Talisa Dixon
Dear CCS Community,
Today is Veterans Day. It is a day to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces. It is a day to celebrate and thank them for their invaluable contributions to society, to our national security, and for the freedom we enjoy every day.
Veterans embody the concept that service is integral to the foundation of our nation, just as it is to the foundation of our community and in our schools. As educators, it is our responsibility to teach our students the history and significance of Veterans Day, as we celebrate these individuals, their service, and our freedom. It is a responsibility we should all honor and work toward preserving for generations to come.
To the veterans across our CCS community – including parents, guardians, mentors, former students, and nearly 200 current teachers and staff – I am grateful for your service to our nation and for being a positive influence in the lives of our Columbus children.
I believe it goes without saying that this gratitude is shared throughout our community. We have significant military interest and appreciation within our student body through our Junior ROTC programs:
Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School Air Force Junior ROTC
South High School Army Junior ROTC
West High School Army Junior ROTC
And, our CCS students had a large presence in the Columbus Veterans Day parade yesterday with more than 500 students participating:
Eleven CCS high school marching bands provided outstanding performances;
All three of our JROTC programs marched in the parade;
Several CCS Air Force Junior ROTC cadets proudly carried the Columbus Veterans Day Lead Banner and led the Pledge of Allegiance; and
A CCS student beautifully sang the National Anthem to start the festivities.
I am beyond proud of our students and our District!
On behalf of the entire CCS community, we thank you, veterans, for bravely answering the noble call to serve, so that we may continue to embrace the freedoms we so gratefully enjoy.
Sincerely,
Talisa Dixon
Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools
Student Success Card Reminder
Hello CCS Families,
As you may be aware, last month, students received their new Student Success Cards, which focus on supporting safety and academics.
We want to remind families that all students must wear their Success Cards throughout the school day, including on the bus. Therefore, we are asking for your help reminding your child to wear their success card before leaving for school in the morning.
The goal of these cards is to increase efficiency and enhance student safety. Students can also use their cards to access multiple benefits, including online learning and checking out books and other age-appropriate materials at any Columbus Metropolitan Library branch.
Also, during the school year, students can use their Success Cards to serve as ID during the school day and athletic events. However, students in grades 9-12 only can use their cards to access the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) at no charge. COTA passes are supplemental and do not replace the District’s yellow bus services provided to students who qualify for CCS transportation to and from school.
If your child does not have a Success Card, please have them stop by the office to obtain one.
Pathway Express Destination #2 - Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Pathway Express arrives at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium in December with FREE admission every weekend throughout the month for a celebration of holiday magic. Join families from across CCS and experience one of Central Ohio’s most cherished traditions - Wildlights.
In addition to creating memorable moments under the millions of lights and festive displays, students and families are invited to explore the incredible animal habitats home to more than 600 species from around the world.
Families are also invited to join CCS and partners for our monthly Family & Community Resources Day on December 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., and the event will feature:
Free Admission to Wildlights;
Free Winter Coats for Students.
Holiday-Themed Giveaways.
New Book Bundles.
And More!
Stay tuned for registration details!
National Family Literacy Month is Underway!
At Columbus City Schools, we recognize the importance of literacy and how it impacts all areas of our student's lives. We also understand that it takes district leaders, teachers, and families to work together to support students, and CCS is committed to ensuring families have access to resources that can help everyone inside the home and classroom learn.
While November is National Family Literacy Month, families look for opportunities to spend time together reading -- whether it’s the #TogetherWeRead book bundles or a book from the local library.
Click here for ten easy ideas to help you and your family celebrate National Family Literacy Month.
East High School Advances to Regional Semifinals
Let's go Tigers, Let's go!! East High School advanced to the regional semifinals of the OHSAA Division IV football playoffs with a thrilling 40-39 defeat of Cambridge High School in double overtime last weekend at Harley Field. The East High Tigers will now face Steubenville on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Quaker Stadium in New Philadelphia. #OurCCS
Virtual Family Engagement Session - Jumpstart Your Teen's College Education
Columbus City Schools’ College Credit Plus provides students in grades 7-12 the opportunity to earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking courses from Ohio colleges. Best of all: College Credit Plus is free. That means no cost for tuition, books or fees. During our Tuesday Virtual Family Engagement Session, the experts from our Higher Education Partnership team will answer questions about this program aimed at promoting rigorous academic pursuits and providing a wide variety of options to college-ready students. Learn whether your student is eligible to participate and which courses they can take under College Credit Plus.
Please click here to RSVP for upcoming Virtual Family Engagement Sessions.
Our sessions are recorded and posted in our Virtual Family Engagement Session Library in case you are unable to attend.
Early Learning Tool Challenge From Future Ready Columbus
If you or someone you know has a child entering Kindergarten next year (2023/2024) you are eligible to register for this FREE online tool.
Once registered, you are eligible to participate in the Future Ready Columbus Early Learning Tool Challenge! Children participating in the challenge will be asked to use the tool 3 times per week for 15 minutes or a total of 45 minutes.
Children that meet this requirement for 30 days (November 21 – December 16) will be registered to win the following for their family:
- A $150 Visa gift card;
- Free admission for them and their family to COSI; OR
- COSI Learning kit
Click here to register TODAY!
Columbus Recreation and Parks "Schools Out" Program - Now Registering
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department's Schools Out program opens recreation centers for extended hours during Columbus City Schools' upcoming fall and winter breaks. Our youth deserve to enjoy opportunities for fun, engaging enrichment experiences when school is out.
Our centers offer a variety of activities for when School's Out. Contact your local community center or visit ActiveNet to register.
Thanksgiving Meal Assistance List: 2022
Many community organizations throughout the City of Columbus offer various meal assistance programs that will provide free Thanksgiving food and meals for low-income families during the holidays. The below charitable groups are working to provide Thanksgiving support for those who need it this season.
Thanksgiving Meal Assistance Locations:
Columbus Dream Center 11A-12:30P free Thanksgiving dinner at the Columbus Dream Center 38 W Greenwood Ave Columbus, OH 43201
Central Community Center CCH Food Basket Giveaway (tentative) November 22, 2022, 9AM-5PM
Dodge Community Center Turkey Giveaway Nov 18, 2022, 5-7PM.
Mid-Ohio Food Bank 3960 Brookham Dr, Grove City, OH 43123 (614) 277-3663
* Please note: Each agency has its own guidelines and availability of food and gifts. Please contact agencies directly to ensure holiday help is available. Many of these agencies require donation requests several weeks prior to the holiday. Please plan accordingly.
Beyond the Classroom with OSU
The Ohio State University Department of Mathematics, through its outreach branch Buckeye Aha! Math Moments (BAMM) is hosting a free, virtual and in-person workshop for students in grades 6 to 12 on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Student attendees get to explore math through engaging activities outside school. During this workshop, students will learn about the amazing world of tessellations, from Islamic art to the work of M.C. Escher including their roles in physics Nobel prizes.
- When: Nov. 19, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Where: Virtual and in-person (Columbus) options
- Cost: Free
- Learn more or register: go.osu.edu/tiling
2022 MLK Oratorical Contest
The City of Columbus Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022.
Columbus Metropolitan Main Library
96 S. Grant Ave
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Winners of the City of Columbus Youth Oratorical Contest will have the opportunity to present at the MLK Jr. Breakfast and City of Columbus Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. evening program. They will also have the opportunity to compete in the Statewide MLK Youth Oratorical Contest in April 2023.
Deadline to submit oration is Friday, November 18, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Have questions? Please Email Gale Gray; gagray@columbus.gov or call (614) 645-1993. Click the below link for contest details.
Come see the Huntington Holiday Train at Main Library
The Huntington Holiday Train has delighted people of all ages since 1992. This downtown holiday treasure was generously loaned to Columbus Metropolitan Library by Huntington in 2009 and is displayed in Main Library’s Grand Atrium.
Bring your entire family to see the display with its trains, tracks, waterfall, tunnels, bridges, mini homes and castle. On display at Main Library during regular library hours Nov. 21 through Jan. 8, 2023.
Free one-hour parking in Main Library’s attached garage.
Lego is at the Columbus Museum of Art!
Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) is excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Think Outside the Brick: The Creative Art of LEGO®. CMA’s annual holiday celebration of the creative potential of LEGO® bricks returns, featuring an enormous model of Columbus built collaboratively by the Ohio LEGO User’s Group (OhioLUG). The exhibition includes the return of familiar landmarks, imaginative creations, and new additions.
This year includes fantastic creations by Ohio Lego Users Group, artist Emiko Oye, CMA Docents, and more.
Activities in and near the exhibition include:
• A museum-wide scavenger hunt.
• A LEGO® bricks building area.
• A design-your-own Minifigure drawing station.
The Creative Art of LEGO® exhibition will run from now until February 24, 2023.
You do not need to purchase tickets in advance. If you need help planning your visit, call 614.221.6801. Click here for information about ticket prices, parking, and additional visit information. Remember, Sundays are FREE ADMISSION INTO THE MUSEUM!